Inspectors search for pests in imported Mother's Day flowers

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialist uses a loupe to find mites on the leaves of roses imported from Ecuador for Mother's Day on May 7.

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US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialist Robin Martin inspects roses imported from Ecuador for Mother's Day for pests and diseases on May 7, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. On a typical day, the CBP seizes about 4,436 prohibited plant, meat and animal byproducts and finds 570 agricultural pests from abroad that could harm US agriculture.

David Mcnew / Getty Images

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialist shines a flashlight on a mite shaken from flowers imported for Mother's Day on May 7 in Los Angeles, California. On a typical day, the CBP seizes about 4,436 prohibited plant, meat and animal byproducts and finds 570 agricultural pests from abroad that could harm U.S. agriculture.